The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has rolled out stringent new safety directives for non-scheduled flight operators after a high-level review meeting held amid a recent uptick in aviation incidents.
The regulator emphasized that safety considerations must override commercial pressures, including charter and VIP commitments. It reaffirmed that the Pilot-in-Command’s decision on safety grounds will be treated as final and binding.
As part of the enhanced oversight framework, operators will now be required to publicly disclose critical safety information, including aircraft age, maintenance records, and pilot experience levels.
The DGCA will also introduce safety performance rankings for operators, intensify audits of cockpit voice recorders and flight data, and hold senior management accountable for systemic or organizational lapses rather than placing sole responsibility on flight crew.
In addition, stricter enforcement provisions have been prescribed, including suspension of licences and regulatory action against operator permits in cases of serious non-compliance.
The regulator further announced that the second phase of special safety audits for non-scheduled operators will commence next month, following the completion of the current audit cycle.
